Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from Marks n Spencer are so useful. M+S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencer a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the M+S Money Buildings & Contents Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for M+S Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Mark's & Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M+S Money you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M+S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencer, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Shopping for financial products at M+S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spensers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M+S Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks and Spencers, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M+S Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M+S Money website.

Handcrafted 3 Flowers Mother's Day Card, at Mark & Spencers
Floral design Cover text: Have a lovely day Inside message: Happy Mother's Day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 178 x 126mm

De Saint Gall Rosé Brut - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Nail Treatment Pens, at Marks & Spensers
Cuticle softener pen with natural oils to hydrate and soothe your cuticles. Apply daily to the cuticle bed Nail nourishment pen with natural oils, aloe vera and vitamins A, C and E to strengthen your nails while maintaining flexibility and resistance to breaking. Apply daily to the nail surface Nail polish corrector pen angled tips instantly remove dry nail polish to achieve a professional finish. Extra tips can be used as spares or interchanged to prevent colour transfer

Portfolio Pure Silk Lightweight Scarf, at Marks & Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk rose print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Handcrafted Princess Mummy's Day, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Happy Mummy's Day from your little princess Inside message: With lots and lots and lots of love xxx Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Younger Boys' Lightening McQueen Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Lightning McQueen motif Slip on Flat sole Disney

Autograph Hooded Heart Print Mac, at Marks and Spenser
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

2 Piece Pure Cotton Check Dungaree Outfit, at Marks & Spensers
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece outfit features a short sleeve bodysuit and check dungarees. It's made from soft cotton to keep him comfy

Deep V-Neck Cover Up Beach Dress, at M&S
Modern and stylish, this flattering beach dress is designed in the latest shape. A fabulous fashionable look

2 Pure Cotton Knitted Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Casual and comfortable, these cotton knee length shorts feature a draw string and stripe design. A great value pack

Maxim 4-Slice Toast Rack, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for everyday use Can hold up to 4 pieces of toast Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain H7 x W8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Office Shelving Unit, at Marks and Spencers
H170 x W44 x D30cm 1 cupboard 2 adjustable shelves Made from White Oak Solids and veneers This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Shelves made from White Oak veneer Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph 2 Piece Long Sleeve Floral Dress Outfit, at Marks&Spencer
Practical and pretty, this cute dress and tights 2-piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

M&S Combination DAB Digital Radio, at Marks & Spenser
Access over 8000 radio stations worldwide built-in WiFi 24 station presets (8 DAB / 8 FM / 8 internet) Podcast and listen again service compatible with media streaming of MP3/WMA & real audio file Alarm functionality, snooze button, headphone port, automatic scanning, firmware upgradeable and mains operated Stereo digital radio with 802.11b/g WiFi network, full Band III DAB and FM reception Frequency ranges: 802.11b/g, Band III 174-240 MHz, FM 87.5-108 MHz WiFi (802.11b/g) security: WEP, TKIP, WPA, WPA2 WiFi audio files format support: MP3, WMA, Real Audio Speakers: full-range 3" drive unit Input connectors: 9V DC power adaptor socket (230V supplied) Output connectors: 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm line out (analogue) LCD display: 2X16 character Type LCD display Mains power supply: 230V AC to 9V DC external power adaptor Aerial: captive telescopic aerial Dimensions (mm): 115mm high x 275mm wide x 65mm deep M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information

Lace Trim Midi Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Characterised by a wonderfully flattering low leg, a lace design sets a smart tone for the soft, easy to care for comfort of these lovely midi briefs

Per Una Pure Cotton Embroidered Neck Top, at M&S
A fashionable short sleeve top in pure soft cotton featuring an embroidered neck embellishment

Cute Kitten Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Have a lovely Birthday Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Pure Cotton Floral Square Neck Vest Top, at Marks and Spencer
For casual elegance, you can't beat this floral print vest top. A great value cotton essential

Hopsack Cushion, at Marks & Spensers
Comfortable and practical, this cushion has a hopsack cover and gives a stylish look

Classic Straw Trilby, at Marks & Spencer
Keep your cool in this straw sun hat, a summer and holiday essential

Classic Collection Cashmilon™ Plain Top, at M&S
Stylish and so comfortable, this plain top in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the short sleeve ribbed trim adds the perfect finishing touch

Mechanical Motorbike Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: Happy birthday Inside Message: Have a great day! Approx size: 135 x 135mm

Cecily's Garden Pink Floral Mum Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Birthday wishes to a wonderful mum Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Skinny Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Below the Waist Skinny Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Long and lean, skinny jeans are an edgy modern style. This pair sits below the waist and is cut to fit and flatter. Wear with some volume on your top half to balance the shape and give an even leggier look

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Snoopy Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fabulous, this 5 pack of cotton shorts feature assorted Snoopy designs

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve bold stripe shirt is made from pure cotton

Antonio Fattori Soave Classico 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Garganega Country: Italy Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Travel Hair Turban, at Marks and Spenser
W60 x H23cm

Elegant Dress Daughter 21st Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: 21 today, Wonderful Daughter Inside message: Hope you have a lovely birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 126mm

M+S Money offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M+S Money Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with Marks and Spenser 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, or Tesco Direct:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union – up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Car Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M+S Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.